Tag tool protective device, system, and method

ABSTRACT

A method for replacing a tag tool needle includes securing at least a portion of a tag tool needle coupled to a tag tool in a needle container; and removing the tag tool needle from the tag tool with the needle container. A tag tool needle container includes a first tubular aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of a first tag tool needle therein, where the first tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to securely enclose the portion of the first tag tool needle when urged over the first tag tool needle; and a second tubular aperture coupled to the first tubular aperture and adapted to receive at least a portion of a second tag tool needle therein, where the second tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to adapted to securely enclose the portion of the second tag tool needle when urged over the second tag tool needle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/275,303, filed May 12, 2014, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,192,730,and entitled “Tag Tool Protective Device, System, and Method,” which isa divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/685,227,filed Nov. 26, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,720,029, and entitled“Tag Tool Protective Device, System, and Method,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/458,795, filed Apr.27, 2012, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,316,529, and entitled “Tag ToolProtective Device, System, and Method,” which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/540,956, filed Aug. 13, 2009, now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 8,296,917, and entitled “Tag Tool Protective Device,System, and Method,” which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/467,431, filed May 18, 2009, now issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,689. The contents of each of the previousapplications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to devices and systems for attaching tags toproduct material, and more particularly, to safety and protectivedevices, systems, and methods used with tag tools or tagging guns.

BACKGROUND

Various methods and devices are used for securing product tags toconsumer and commercial products. In some instances, such product tagsmay include tags made of plastic, metal, or other hard materials, andmay include one or more electronic devices used as, for example, theftprevention devices. In other instances, product tags may be made ofpaper, cardboard, or other more pliable material and may be used toprovide identifying information regarding the product itself. As oneexample, product tags for clothing products may generally be paper tagsidentifying such information as manufacturer, size, price, as well asother information.

Clothing product tags may often be attached to the clothing item (e.g.,shirts, pants, socks) by a variety of techniques. For example, certaintechniques utilize a device or tool called a tag tool or tagging gun.Tag tools often operate to create a small hole through the product and,in some cases, the product tag, through the use of a hollow needle orother penetrating component. Upon creation of the small hole, the tagtool may be manipulated to insert a fastener (e.g., nylon, plastic)through the hollow needle and then through the holes formed in theproduct tag and product material. Such fasteners, typically, areflexible filaments with enlarged portions on each end. For instance, thefasteners may be shaped substantially similar to the cross-section of an“I-beam.” Upon insertion of the nylon fastener through such holes, theenlarged ends of the fastener extend, thereby securing the product tagto the product material.

Tag tools or tagging guns may come in a variety of forms. Typically,however, such tag tools may include either a fixed needle or aretractable needle. In fixed needle tag tools, for instance, productmaterial may be manually forced over the needle by the tag tool user. Inother words, fixed needle tag tools may include a hollow needle securedin the tag tool and extended from the tag tool at all times. Such fixedneedle tag tools, therefore, may create safety concerns with respect topossible injuries to the tag tool user as well as possible damage to theproduct material. Previous solutions to such safety issues may not fullyaddress this problem. For example, various fixed needle tag tools mayinclude a removable cap or thimble designed to cover the needle duringperiods of non-use. Such caps or thimbles may be easily lost ormisplaced. While some caps or thimbles may be tethered to the tag toolitself by a lanyard or string, such protection relies on the user toreplace the cap or thimble on the needle after using the tag tool.

Retractable needle tag tools may generally include a hollow needle thatretracts into a housing or handle of the tag tool during periods ofnon-use. More specifically, a user of a retractable needle tag tool mayinitiate an action (e.g., pull a trigger or lever) that extends theneedle from the tag tool and through the product material and producttag, while simultaneously forcing the product tag through the hollowneedle and the resultant holes. Such tag tools, while possibly providingincreased safety to user and product material, typically include greatermechanical complexity. Such complexity may decrease the reliability ofthe tool while increasing cost.

SUMMARY

In one general embodiment, a method for replacing a tag tool needleincludes securing at least a portion of a tag tool needle coupled to atag tool in a needle container; and removing the tag tool needle fromthe tag tool with the needle container. More specific aspects mayinclude the feature of securing at least a portion of a tag tool needlecoupled to a tag tool in a needle container without human contact of thetag tool needle. Further, securing at least a portion of a tag toolneedle coupled to a tag tool in a needle container without human contactof the tag tool needle may include securing a sharpened end of the tagtool needle in a needle container without human contact of the tag toolneedle. Removing the tag tool needle from the tag tool with the needlecontainer may include removing the tag tool needle from the tag toolwith the needle container without human contact of the tag tool needle.

In certain specific embodiments, the method may further include applyinga force to a portion of the tag tool needle extending from the needlecontainer, where the force is operable to urge the portion of the tagtool needle into the needle container. The force may be applied withouthuman contact of the tag tool needle. In addition, applying the forcewithout human contact of the tag tool needle may include applying theforce through contact of a base portion of the tag tool needle with arigid or semi-rigid surface.

In some aspects, at least a portion of the needle container may includea compression-fit housing and the method may further include securingthe portion of the tag tool needle in the compression-fit housingwithout human contact of the tag tool needle. The method may furtherinclude releasing the tag tool needle from the tag tool subsequent tosecuring the portion of the tag tool needle in the compression-fithousing.

In specific aspects, the tag tool needle may be a used tag tool needleand the method may further include: inserting a base portion of a newtag tool needle into the tag tool, where a sharpened end of the new tagtool needle is substantially enclosed in the needle container; securingthe new tag tool needle in the tag tool; and removing the needlecontainer from the new tag tool needle to expose the sharpened end ofthe new tag tool needle. In some aspects, inserting a base portion of anew tag tool needle into the tag tool may include inserting a baseportion of a new tag tool needle into the tag tool without human contactof the new tag tool needle. Securing the new tag tool needle in the tagtool may include securing the new tag tool needle in the tag toolwithout human contact of the new tag tool needle.

The general embodiment may further include storing at least thesharpened end of the new tag tool needle in the needle container priorto inserting the base portion into the tag tool. In some aspects, atleast a portion of the needle container may include a compression-fithousing and the method may further include securing the sharpened end ofthe new tag tool needle in the compression-fit housing. The method mayfurther include transporting the needle container enclosing the tag toolneedle without human contact of the tag tool needle. The method mayfurther include disposing of the needle container enclosing the tag toolneedle without human contact of the tag tool needle.

In another general embodiment, a tag tool needle container includes afirst tubular aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of a firsttag tool needle therein, where the first tubular aperture has acompression-fit adapted to securely enclose the portion of the first tagtool needle when urged over the first tag tool needle; and a secondtubular aperture coupled to the first tubular aperture and adapted toreceive at least a portion of a second tag tool needle therein, wherethe second tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to adapted tosecurely enclose the portion of the second tag tool needle when urgedover the second tag tool needle.

In some specific aspects, the first tubular aperture may be adapted toreceive the portion of the first tag tool needle coupled to a tag tool.Further, the portion of the first tag tool needle may include asharpened end, where the first tubular aperture further is adapted toenclose the sharpened end when urged over the first tag tool needlewhile a base portion of the first tag tool needle may extend from thefirst tubular aperture. The first tubular aperture may be adapted toenclose the sharpened end and the base portion of the first tag toolneedle upon application of a force to the first tag tool needle urgingthe first tag tool needle into the first tubular aperture. The secondtubular aperture may be adapted to enclose a sharpened end of the secondtag tool needle, where a base portion of the second tag tool needle mayextend from the second tubular aperture when the sharpened end of thesecond tag tool needle is enclosed in the second tubular aperture. Atleast one of the first or second tubular apertures may be adapted toallow visual inspection of the first or second tag tool needle.

In another general embodiment, a method includes replacing a used tagtool needle in a tag tool with a new tag tool needle in the tag toolwithout human contact of at least one of the used tag tool needle andthe new tag tool needle. The method may further include removing theused tag tool needle from the tag tool with a needle container; andstoring the used tag tool needle in the needle container. In someaspects, replacing a used tag tool needle in a tag tool with a new tagtool needle in the tag tool without human contact of at least one of theused tag tool needle and the new tag tool needle may include replacing aused tag tool needle in a tag tool with a new tag tool needle in the tagtool without human contact of both the used tag tool needle and the newtag tool needle.

In another general embodiment, a protective assembly for a tag toolincludes a shoe, a shoe spring coupled to the shoe, a tag spring, and athimble. The shoe includes a shoe bore extending through a distal end ofthe shoe, where the shoe is adapted to attach to a tag tool having a tagtool needle extending from the tool. The shoe bore has a centerlinesubstantially aligned with a longitudinal dimension of the tag toolneedle. The tag spring is coupled to the shoe adjacent the shoe springand distal ends of the shoe spring and tag spring define an opening toreceive a product tag therebetween. The distal end of the tag spring isadjacent the shoe and the distal end of the tag spring and the shoedefine a slot to receive a product material therebetween. The thimble iscoupled to the shoe and adapted to move through the shoe bore inresponse to a force applied to a distal end of the thimble and transmitat least a portion of the force to the tag spring and the shoe spring.

In some specific embodiments, the protective assembly may furtherinclude a thimble tip coupled to the distal end of the thimble, wherethe thimble tip is adapted to receive the force and transmit the forceto the thimble. The protective assembly may further include a thimblespring disposed over the thimble, where the thimble spring is adapted toconstrict to a compressed state in response to the force applied to thethimble and extend to an uncompressed state in response to release ofthe force from the thimble. The thimble spring may urge the thimblethrough the shoe bore away from the tag spring as the thimble springextends from the compressed state to the uncompressed state. In someaspects, the tag spring and the shoe spring may include correspondingslots substantially aligned therethrough, where the tag spring and theshoe spring may be adapted to be impaled over the tag tool needlethrough the corresponding slots in response to the portion of the forcetransmitted to the tag spring and the shoe spring from the thimble.

In particular embodiments, the tag spring and the shoe spring may beadapted to secure the product tag therebetween without support of theproduct tag by a user. Further, the shoe and the shoe spring may beadapted to secure the product material therebetween without support ofthe product material by a user.

In another general embodiment, a product tagging system includes a tagtool and a protective assembly. The tag tool includes a housing and atag tool needle extending from the housing. The protective assemblyincludes a shoe, a shoe spring coupled to the shoe, a tag spring, and athimble. The shoe is attached to the tag tool and includes a shoe boreextending through a distal end of the shoe, where the shoe bore has acenterline substantially aligned with a longitudinal dimension of thetag tool needle. The tag spring is coupled to the shoe adjacent the shoespring and distal ends of the shoe spring and tag spring define anopening to receive a product tag therebetween. The distal end of the tagspring adjacent the shoe and the shoe define a slot to receive a productmaterial therebetween. The thimble is coupled to the shoe and adapted tomove through the shoe bore in response to a force applied to a distalend of the thimble and transmit at least a portion of the force to thetag spring and the shoe spring to move the tag spring and the shoespring over a sharpened end of the tag tool needle.

In specific embodiments, the product tagging system may further includea thimble tip coupled to the distal end of the thimble, where thethimble tip is adapted to receive the force and transmit the force tothe thimble. The product tagging system may further include a thimblespring disposed over the thimble, where the thimble spring is adapted toconstrict to a compressed state in response to the force applied to thethimble and extend to an uncompressed state in response to the forcereleased from the thimble. The thimble spring may urge the thimblethrough the shoe bore away from the tag spring as the thimble springextends from the compressed state to the uncompressed state. Further,the tag spring and the shoe spring may include corresponding slotssubstantially aligned therethrough, where the tag spring and the shoespring are impaled on a portion of the tag tool needle through thecorresponding slots in response to the portion of the force transmittedto the tag spring and the shoe spring from the thimble.

In particular embodiments, the tag spring and the shoe spring may beadapted to secure the product tag therebetween without support of theproduct tag by a user. Further, the tag spring and the shoe may beadapted to secure the product material therebetween without support ofthe product material by a user. In addition, the tag tool needle may beheld substantially stationary in the housing as the tag spring and shoespring move over the sharpened end of the tag tool needle.

In some embodiments, the product tagging system may further include aneedle container including a tube adapted to receive at least a portionof the tag tool needle; and a cap substantially enclosing a first end ofthe tube. The tube may be adapted to enclose at least two tag toolneedles. Further, in some embodiments of the product tagging system, atleast a portion of the shoe may be integrally formed with a portion ofthe housing. The shoe and the housing may be integrally formed as atwo-piece clam shell.

In another general implementation, a method for using a tag toolincludes providing a tag tool system, where the system includes ahousing; a tag tool needle extending from the housing; and a protectiveassembly. The protective assembly includes a shoe attached to thehousing and including a shoe bore extending through a distal end of theshoe. The shoe bore has a centerline substantially aligned with alongitudinal dimension of the tag tool needle. The assembly alsoincludes a shoe spring coupled to the shoe and a tag spring coupled tothe shoe adjacent the shoe spring, where distal ends of the shoe springand tag spring define an opening and the distal end of the tag springand the shoe defining a slot. The assembly also includes a thimblecoupled to the shoe and having a centerline substantially aligned withthe centerline of the shoe bore. The method includes applying a force toa distal end of the thimble to urge at least a portion of the thimblethrough the shoe bore, where the thimble transmits at least a portion ofthe force to the tag spring and the shoe spring to move the tag springand the shoe spring over a sharpened end of the tag tool needle.

In certain embodiments, the method may further include inserting aproduct tag in the opening; securing the product tag between the tagspring and the shoe spring without additional support; inserting aproduct material in the slot; and securing the product material betweenthe tag spring and the shoe without additional support. The tag toolneedle may be a used tag tool needle and the method may further includereplacing the used tag tool needle with a new tag tool needle withouthuman contact of the used tag tool needle or the new tag tool needle. Insome embodiments, the tag tool system may further include a needlecontainer including a tube and a cap, where the tube has open first andsecond ends and the cap may be adapted to enclose one of the open firstand second ends. Replacing the used tag tool needle with a new tag toolneedle without human contact of the used tag tool needle or the new tagtool needle may include inserting the open first end of the tube throughthe shoe bore; inserting the open first end of the tube over the usedtag tool needle extended from the housing; releasing at least a portionof the used tag tool needle into the tube through the open first end;and withdrawing the tube including the used tag tool needle through theshoe bore.

In particular embodiments, the needle container may further include thenew tag tool needle enclosed within the tube, where the cap encloses theopen second end of the tube. Replacing the used tag tool needle with anew tag tool needle without human contact of the used tag tool needle orthe new tag tool needle may include removing the cap from the opensecond end of the tube to expose at least a portion of the new tag toolneedle from the open second end; inserting the open second end of thetube through the shoe bore; securing the portion of the new tag toolneedle in the housing; and withdrawing the tube through the shoe bore.Further, replacing the used tag tool needle with a new tag tool needlewithout human contact of the used tag tool needle or the new tag toolneedle may include replacing the used tag tool needle with a new tagtool needle without human contact of the used tag tool needle and thenew tag tool needle.

Various implementations of a product tagging system according to thepresent disclosure may include one or more of the following features.For example, the product tagging system may help protect a user of a tagtool from injury from a sharp needle during periods of use, as well asnon-use, of the tag tool. The product tagging system may decrease thechances for disease transmission among multiple users of a tag tool. Theproduct tagging system may allow for removal of a used needle of a tagtool without any human contact with the used tag tool needle. Further,the product tagging system may allow for installation of a new needle ina tag tool without any human contact with the new tag tool needle. Theproduct tagging system may allow for containment and transport of usedtag tool needles safely without human contact with the needles. Theproduct tagging system may also help protect a product or material fromdamage, such as unwanted holes, rips, tears, or other injury inflictedby a needle of a tag tool. The product tagging system may also providefor safer shipping of used and new tag tool needles, thereby decreasinginjury to transport personnel and carriers.

Various implementations of a product tagging system according to thepresent disclosure may also include one or more of the followingfeatures. For example, the product tagging system may include a separateloading area for a product tag and product material away from anextended needle in a fixed needle tag tool. The product tagging systemmay allow for tagging of product material while a user maintains a safedistance from a tag tool needle. The product tagging system may allowfor faster and more efficient tagging of product material with lessconcern for possible injury. Further, the product tagging system mayhelp meet regulatory safety requirements imposed on a user or businessenterprise. The product tagging tool may also provide for safer and morecost-effective tagging of product material using a fixed needle tag toolas compared to a retractable needle tag tool. Additionally, the producttagging system may allow for single-handed operation of a tag tool,including a fixed needle tag tool.

These general and specific embodiments may be implemented using adevice, system, or method, or any combinations of devices, systems, ormethods. The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a product tagging system accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a tag tool including a protectiveassembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a protective assembly for a tagtool according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of a tag spring and a shoe spring ofa protective assembly for a tag tool according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a needle container of a producttagging system according to the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate another embodiment of a needle container of aproduct tagging system according to the present disclosure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure relates to devices and systems for attaching tags toproduct material, and more particularly, to safety and protectivedevices, systems, and methods used with tag tools or tagging guns. Insome embodiments, a protective assembly may be attached to a fixedneedle tag tool and may provide safer handling and use of the tag tool.For instance, the protective assembly may provide a shoe including oneor more spring members with apertures therethrough longitudinallyaligned with a needle of the tag tool. The spring members may receive aforce from the tag tool user as applied to a thimble component attachedto the shoe, thereby forcing a product tag and product secured withinthe shoe over the needle. The tag tool user may thus be protected fromthe needle by separating the needle from the user through implementationof the spring members, the shoe, as well as the attached thimble.Traditional techniques to secure the tag to the product with the tagtool may then be initiated.

Protective methods and systems for managing a tag tool, includingreplacing used tag tool needles therein, are presently disclosed. Insome embodiments, a tubular container for tag tool needles may beinserted through one or more of the thimble, the shoe, and the springmembers and enclose a tag tool needle secured to the tag tool. The usedneedle may thus be removed from the tag tool within the tubularcontainer with little or no direct contact between the user and the usedneedle. A new tag tool needle may be similarly installed in the tagtool. For instance, the tubular container from which a portion of a newneedle is exposed may be inserted through one or more of the thimble,the shoe, and the spring members. The new needle may then be installedand secured within the tag tool and the tubular container removed fromthe protective assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of a product tagging system 10,including a tag tool 12, a protective assembly 100, and a needlecontainer 135, is illustrated. The product tagging system 10, generally,allows for safer and more efficient tagging of product material ascompared to traditional tagging techniques, methods, and devices.Further, the product tagging system 10 may be separable so as to allowvarious components of the system 10 to be used with existing taggingcomponents. For example, the protective assembly 100 may be implementedas a separate component and used with an existing tag tool, such as atag tool distinct from that shown in FIGS. 1-2 (tag tool 12). Likewise,the needle container 135 may be used with existing tag tools andprotective assemblies such as those distinct or different from the tagtool 12 and protective assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2.

Tag tool 12, typically, is a handheld device that includes a handle 13,a trigger 14, and a needle 15. The tag tool 12 may be operated by a userto create one or more holes in a product tag and a product material andthen insert a fastener (e.g., a nylon “I-shaped” fastener, not shown)through such holes to secure the product tag to the product material. Insome embodiments, the tag tool 12 creates aligned holes through a paperor cardboard product tag and an item of clothing and then inserts thefastener through such holes to secure the tag to the clothing. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the tag tool 12 may be a fixed needle tagtool, such that the needle 15 remains extended from the housing 13during periods of use and non-use of the tag tool 12. In alternativeembodiments, however, the tag tool 12 may be a retracted needle tagtool, such that the user can operate the tag tool 12 to extend theneedle 15 from the housing 13 to engage the product tag and/or productmaterial with the needle 15.

In some embodiments, the tag tool 12 may utilize a fine fabric fastenerto attach the product tag to the product material. Alternatively, thetag tool 12 may utilize a regular fastener to attach the product tag tothe product material. Regardless, reference to the tag tool 12 refers toany tag tool or product tagging device operable to attach a product tagto a product material. Further, as noted above, the tag tool 12 may be aseparate component from the product assembly 100 or, alternatively, thetag tool 12 and product assembly 100 may be formed as a single, integralpiece.

Needle 15, typically, is a tubular metallic component having a void, orhollow portion, extending therethrough. The needle 15 also includes asharpened point at one distal end designed to penetrate various objects,such as product tags and product material. The needle 15, generally,includes a “C” or crescent cross-sectional area, thus exposing thehollow portion of the needle 15 while maintaining the sharpened point.For example, the needle 15 is typically sharpened so as to penetrate andextend through paper, cardboard, paperboard, cloth, and other similarmaterial. The needle 15 also includes a second distal end opposite thesharpened end, which may be secured to the tag tool 12, thus affixingthe needle 15 at a constant position relative to the housing 13. Forinstance, the needle 15 may include a higher diameter, notched distalend (or base) opposite the sharpened end (as shown more fully in FIG.4), which may be secured to the tag tool 12 through a locking mechanismengaged to the notched end (base). Alternatively, the needle 15 may beaffixed within the housing 13 without the notched distal end by simplyproviding a snug fit of the needle 15 within the housing 13. Regardless,the needle 15 is typically removable from the tag tool 12 in order toreplace the needle 15, such as when it becomes dull, contaminated, orbroken.

The hollow portion of the needle 15 extends to the sharpened distal endand allows the fastener to be ejected therethrough in order to securethe product tag to the product material. For example, during operationof the product tagging system 10, subsequent to the creation of one ormore holes through the product tag and product material (explained morefully below with reference to FIG. 3A), the user may operate the tagtool 12 to eject the fastener through the created holes, thus securingthe product tag to the product material with the fastener. For instance,the user may, typically, engage the trigger 14 of the tag tool 12 (e.g.,apply force to retract the trigger 14 into the housing 13), which forcesa fastener stored in the housing 13 through the hollow portion of theneedle 15. Releasing the trigger 14 may then load an additional fastenerstored within the housing 13 into a position ready to be ejected throughthe needle 15.

The needle 15, in some embodiments, may be a fine fabric needle ratherthan, for example, a regular fabric needle. In some embodiments, theneedle 15 may thus have a decreased length and decreased diameter ascompared to the regular fabric needle. In any event, reference to theneedle 15 refers to any appropriate needle used with a tag tool, such asthe tag tool 12, as well as any other product tagging device or system.

Protective assembly 100, typically, is secured to the tag tool 12 at oneor more locations, such as at connection points 145 on either side ofthe housing 13. For example, the protective assembly 100 may be securedto the housing 13 at points 145 by screws, rivets, or other mechanicalfastening techniques, as well as adhesives or compression fittings(e.g., detents). Generally, however, the protective assembly 100 isdetachable from the tag tool 12 and thus may be used with multiple tagtools 12 or alternative tag tools.

The protective assembly 100 includes a shoe 105, a tag spring 110, ashoe spring 115, and a thimble 120. In some embodiments, the protectiveassembly 100 may also include a thimble tip 130 and a thimble spring125. During typical operation (explained more fully with reference toFIG. 3A), the protective assembly 100 allows the user to apply force tothe thimble 120 so as to force a product tag and product material overthe needle 15, thereby impaling the product tag and the product materialon the needle 15. In doing so, the protective assembly 100 may allow theuser and the product material to avoid unwanted and harmful contact withthe needle 15.

The shoe 105, typically, is made of plastic, aluminum, or other rigidmaterial and extends from the tag tool 12 from the connection points 145on either side of the housing 13. As illustrated, the shoe 105 issubstantially U-shaped and extends downward from the tag tool 12, thuscreating an area to receive product material. The shoe 105, further,extends upward in front of the needle 15 and includes a shoe bore 175therethrough. The shoe bore 175, typically, is aligned with the needle15 such that a centerline 173 (shown in FIG. 3A) traversing through theshoe bore 175 is aligned with the needle 15.

In some embodiments, the shoe 105 and the housing 13 are integrallyformed as a single or multi-piece structure. For example, the shoe 105and the housing 13 may be integrally formed as a two-piece, or clamshell, structure such that the two halves of the structure are securedtogether to form the shoe 105 and housing 13 as a single component ofthe product tagging system 10. The shoe 105 and housing 13 may besecured by any appropriate technique, including mechanical (e.g.,rivets, screws, or pin and socket), as well as adhesives.

In some embodiments, the shoe 105 includes a recessed channel 103 (shownin FIG. 2) extending around all or a portion of an interior surface ofthe shoe 100. The recessed channel 103 may provide for a seating area inwhich one or both of the tag spring 110 and the shoe spring 115 may beinserted and secured to the shoe 105. Further, the recessed channel 103may provide for a lighter and less costly shoe 100, thereby increasingthe ease of connection of the shoe 100 to the housing 13, for example.

The shoe spring 115 is secured to the shoe 100 through a spring bore 140a (e.g., by rivet or screw) and, generally, is a leaf-type spring madeof a flexible but rigid material such as, for example, steel, aluminum,plastic, or other appropriate material. The shoe spring 115 establishesa neutral loading area in front of the needle 15 that separates theproduct tag and product material from the needle 15. This area may beadjusted according to the shoe spring 115. For instance, the shoe spring115 may include multiple (e.g., three) angled segments in which at leastone segment is angled away from the needle 15 to create the loadingarea. By adjusting the angles between the segments of the shoe spring115, this area may be increased or decreased.

The shoe spring 115 typically includes a notch 170 a formed therein, asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3B. The notch 170 a, while illustrated as acut-out or crescent-shaped aperture through the shoe spring 115, may beany appropriately shaped aperture that allows the needle 15 to passthrough the shoe spring 115 during operation of the product taggingsystem 10. For example, the notch 170 a may be a circular aperturethrough the shoe spring 115 with a center of the circle substantiallyaligned with the needle 15. The notch 170 a, however, may typicallyextend to an exterior edge of the shoe spring 115.

The tag spring 110 is secured to the shoe 100 through a spring bore 140b (e.g., by rivet or screw) and, generally, is a leaf-type spring madeof a flexible but rigid material such as, for example, steel, aluminum,plastic, or other appropriate material. As illustrated, the tag spring110 is secured to the shoe 100 immediately adjacent the shoe spring 115such that the shoe spring 115 is between the tag spring 110 and theneedle 115. In some embodiments, the tag spring 110 and shoe spring 115are in physical contact through at least a portion of the lengths of thesprings 110 and 115. Further, the tag spring 110 may apply a springforce against the shoe spring 115, thereby maintaining physical contactbetween the springs 110 and 115. Alternatively, the tag spring 110 andshoe spring 115 may not contact each other but may have a relativelysmall clearance therebetween, thereby allowing a product tag to besecured and held steady between the springs 110 and 115.

The tag spring 115 typically includes a notch 170 b formed therein, asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3B, similar to or substantially the same asthe notch 170 a in the shoe spring 115. The notches 170 a and 170 b,however, may be distinct as long as each allows the needle 15 topenetrate through their respective springs 110 and 115 and a fastener tobe removed therethrough. The notches 170 a and 170 b may also, in someembodiments, serve as a target guide to locate an exact penetrationlocation of the product tag by the needle 15 and also an exactpenetration location of the fastener through the product tag and productmaterial.

Turning to FIG. 3B, this figure illustrates in more detail oneembodiment of the tag spring 110 and the shoe spring 115 of theprotective assembly 100. As illustrated, the springs 110 and 115 may besubstantially similar in shape and design, including multiple segmentstherein. When coupled to the shoe 100, such segments may besubstantially aligned (as shown according to the connecting dashedlines), thereby allowing the springs 110 and 115 to be in closeproximity or in contact. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS.1-2 and 3A-B, the shoe spring 115 may include a top segment angled so asto create a concave or V-shaped area to receive the product tag therein.Alternatively, the shoe spring 115 and tag spring 110 may remain inclose proximity or physical contact throughout the lengths of thesprings 110 and 115.

The combination of the springs 110 and 115, in some embodiments, maycombine to form a product tag holder. For example, the product tagholder may serve as a guard for the user of the tag tool 12 to preventcontact with the point of the needle 15. The product tag holder may alsoserve as a separator from the product material to which the product tagis being attached. The product tag holder may also create a clearancefor the product material such that the user may more easily locate adesired penetration point for the fastener through the product tag andthe product material. In some embodiments, the product tag holder mayalso assist in the removal of the product material from the needle 15,allowing the user to disconnect the fastener and tag. For instance, bypushing the product material off the needle 15, the product tag holdermay create a clearance for removal of the product material as it isremoved from the shoe 105. In other words, the product tag holder mayact as a “spring” to help push the product material off of the needle 15while protecting the user.

Returning to FIGS. 1-2, the thimble 120, as illustrated, is asubstantially cylindrical and elongated tube coupled to the shoe 100. Insome embodiments, as illustrated in these figures, the thimble 120 maybe coupled to the shoe 100 through a grommet 123. Generally, asdescribed more fully with reference to FIG. 3A, the thimble 120 mayreceive a force (e.g., applied by the user or applied by another objector surface) and extend through the shoe bore 175 to transmit the forceto the springs 110 and 115. More specifically, the thimble 120 mayprovide a safe (i.e., non-sharpened or rounded) location on which theuser may manually apply the force in order to impale the needle 15through the thimble 120 and the springs 110 and 115, as well as theproduct tag and product material inserted therein. Thus, the user may bekept a safe distance from the sharpened end of the needle 15.

In some embodiments, the thimble 120 may include an indexing notch 127disposed lengthwise along at least a portion of an outer surface of thethimble 120. In such embodiments, the shoe bore 175 may include anindexing rib 129 disposed on an outer surface of the shoe 105 throughthe shoe bore 175. When a force is applied to the thimble 120 to urgethe thimble 120 through the shoe bore 175, the indexing rib 129 maygenerally mate with the indexing notch 127 to allow the thimble 120 toslide through the bore 175. Misalignment of the indexing notch 127 withthe indexing rib 129 may thus prevent or substantially prevent thethimble 120 from sliding through the shoe bore 175 and thus transferringthe force to the springs 110 and 115. Thus, in some embodiments of theprotective assembly 100, the thimble 120 is aligned with the shoe bore175 such that the indexing notch 127 and indexing rib 129 are insubstantially constant alignment, allowing the thimble 120 to travelthrough the shoe bore 175.

In some alternative embodiments, such a mating between the thimble 120and the shoe 105 to effectuate this transfer of force may be used as alocking technique for the product tagging system 10. For example, use ofthe protective assembly 100 and tag tool 12 may be restricted, therebypreventing one or more holes to be created in the product tag andproduct material by the needle 15, when the indexing rib 129 andindexing notch 127 are misaligned.

In other alternative embodiments, this locking technique may beaccomplished in a different fashion. For example, the shoe bore 175 andthimble 120 may each have a substantially square, triangular,pentagonal, or octagonal cross-section (to name but a few), thusrequiring alignment of the cross-sections between the shoe bore 175 andthimble 120 in order for the thimble 120 to be urged through the shoebore 175. In other embodiments, however, the locking technique may notbe included and the thimble 120 may be urged through the shoe bore 175without substantially any indexing.

The protective assembly 100, as illustrated, may also include a thimbletip 130 coupled to thimble 120 at a distal end of the thimble 120opposite the shoe 105. The thimble tip 130, generally, may provide alocation for the user to apply a force to the thimble 120 substantiallydirected along the centerline 173 of the thimble 120. Further, thethimble tip 130 may be a rubber or plastic bumper that is snap-fit onthe distal end of the thimble 120 and elastic so as to provide aprotective surface to the user or any other object utilized to apply theforce to the thimble 120. In some embodiments, as illustrated by section‘A-A’ in FIG. 3A, the thimble tip 130 fits on and provides a skirt overthe thimble spring 125.

The thimble spring 125, typically, is a metal or plastic wirecompression spring disposed over the thimble 120 and in compression tourge the thimble 120 away from the springs 110 and 115 and the needle 15and through the shoe bore 175 to its rest position. In some embodiments,the thimble spring 125 may continuously apply a spring force to thethimble 120 away from the needle 15. In other embodiments, however, thethimble spring 125 may come to a neutral state while the thimble 120 isin the rest position and thereby apply substantially no force to thethimble 120. In some embodiments, the thimble spring 125 is plumb ateach of its ends and applies the spring force to the thimble tip 130,which is then transmitted to the thimble 120. Alternatively, the thimblespring 125 may be directly coupled to the thimble 120 thereby directlyapplying the spring force to the thimble 120.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, the needle container 135 is illustrated.The needle container 135 includes a tube 160, one or more caps 165, andin some embodiments, a new needle 150. The needle container 135,typically, allows a user to remove a used tag tool needle, such as usedneedle 155 or the needle 15, from a tag tool, such as tag tool 12,without any contact with the used needle 155. Further, the needlecontainer 135 allows the user to install the new needle 150 into thehousing 13 of the tag tool 12 without any contact with the new needle150. In such fashion, the needle container 135 may substantially reducethe risk of disease transmission through human contact with acontaminated tag tool needle, as well as reduce the risk of injury tothe user from a new tag tool needle.

The tube 160 typically is an elongated and hollow container sized toaccept a tag tool needle therein via one or both open ends of the tube160. In some embodiments, the tube 160 may serve as a shipping andhandling container, and be used in multiple instances to transport thenew needle 150 and/or the used needle 155. In alternative embodiments,the tube 160 may be a disposable container that allows for safe disposalof the used needle 155. As illustrated, the tube 160 may be translucentand include an indexing notch 153 disposed longitudinally along at leasta portion of an outer surface of the tube 160. The indexing notch 153,in some embodiments, may mate with the indexing rib 129 of the shoe 105during removal of the used needle 155 and installation of the new needle150, as described more fully below. Alternatively, the tube 160 mayinclude a substantially smooth outer surface. Although a cylindricalshape is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4 for the tube 160, alternativeshapes are contemplated by the present disclosure.

The tube 160 receives one or more used tag tool needles 155 and one ormore new tag tool needles 150 therein. In some embodiments, the tube 160may also include an indexing feature to secure one or more of the usedand/or new tag tool needles 155 and 150 therein. For instance, in someembodiments, the tube 160 may include an internal indexing rib or guide(not shown) to mate with the “C” or crescent-shaped distal end of theused and new tag tool needles 155 and 150, as well as the needle 15.Thus, alignment of the needles to insert into the tube 160, such asduring removal of the used needle 155 and installation of the new needle150, may be made easier and more reliable. In alternative embodiments,however, the tube 160 may be sized to snugly accept the used needle 155and the new needle 150 and substantially secure the needles within thetube 160 without an indexing feature.

In some embodiments, one or both of the used needle 155 and new needle150 may include a base portion. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4,the new needle 150 may include a base portion 152 while the used needle155 may include a base portion 157. The base portions 152 and 157 may bepermanently or semi-permanently attached to the sharpened portions ofthe corresponding needles and provide an increased diameter segment. Insome embodiments, the base portions 152 and 157 extend to the exteriorof the tube 160 when the needles 150 and 155, respectively, are insertedinto the tube 160.

The needle container 135 also includes one or more caps 165. The cap165, generally, may be fit over either of the open ends of the tube 160,thereby substantially preventing accidental or unwanted removal of theused needle 155 and/or new tag tool needle 150 from the tube 160. Insome embodiments, the needle container 135 includes a single cap 165,which initially encloses the tube 160 such that the new needle 150remains therein. Once the used needle 155 is recovered from the tag tool12, the cap 165 may be removed from the tube 160, thereby uncovering thenew needle 150, and replaced onto the tube 160 to enclose the usedneedle 155 therein. In some embodiments, the cap 165 may be removablefrom one of the open ends of the tube 160 where the new needle 150 isstored but permanently attached to the tube 160 once engaged with thetube 160 over the other open end where the used needle 155 is stored.

Continuing with FIGS. 1 and 4, one example of a hands-free operation toreplace the used needle 155 with the new needle 150 is now described.This example operation may allow a tag tool user to replace the usedneedle 155 with a new needle 150 without any direct contact with eitherthe used needle 155 or new needle 150, thereby substantially decreasingthe risk of injury. Utilizing the tube 160 with an uncapped open enddirected towards the thimble tip 130 and a capped closed end enclosingthe new needle 150, the user inserts the tube 160 through the thimbletip 130 and the thimble 120, which have substantially aligned borestherethrough. Thus, the thimble 120 and the thimble tip 130 may serve asguides for the tube 160 to be aligned therethrough and, eventually, overthe used needle 155.

The tube 160 is then inserted through the shoe bore 175 andcorresponding notches 170 a and 170 b of the shoe spring 115 and tagspring 110, respectively. In some embodiments, prior to insertion of thetube 160 into the shoe bore 175, the tube 160 may be indexed (e.g.,rotated) to allow the indexing notch 153 (shown in FIG. 4) to align withthe indexing rib 129. The tube 160 is then inserted over the used needle155 (such as needle 15). If the tube 160 includes an indexing feature,such as the indexing feature described above, the user manipulates(e.g., rotates) the tube 160 to properly index the used needle 155 intothe tube 160. Alternatively, if the tube 160 does not include anindexing feature, the tube 160 is slid over the used needle 155 andenclosed therein. The used needle 155, if appropriate, is then releasedfrom the tag tool 12 by the user. For example, in some embodiments, thetag tool 12 includes a locking mechanism, which secures the base 157 ofthe used needle 155 into the housing 13.

Once the used needle 155 is secured within the tube 160, the userwithdraws the tube 160 backwards through the notches 170 a and 170 b,the shoe bore 175, the thimble 120, and the thimble tip 130. The usermay then remove the cap 165 from the end of the tube 160 enclosing thenew needle 150 and replace the cap 165 onto the tube 160 to enclose theused needle 155. Next, the user rotates the tube 160 and reinserts thetube 160 through the thimble tip 130, thimble 120, shoe bore 175, andnotches 170 a and 170 b. The user then aligns the new needle 150 suchthat the housing 13 receives the base portion 152 therein. Onceinserted, the new needle 150 may be locked into the housing 13 and thetube 160 withdrawn from the protective assembly 100.

Turning now to FIG. 3A, one example operation and use of the protectiveassembly 100 of the tag tool 12 is now described. In no particularorder, the user inserts a product tag 205 into the loading angle definedby the shoe spring 115 and the tag spring 110 and a product material 200into the loading space defined by the tag spring 110 and the shoe 105adjacent the shoe bore 175. The user may position the product tag 205between the tag spring 110 and shoe spring 115 substantially alignedwith the centerline 173 of the shoe bore 175 and the thimble 120. Due tothe close proximity of the tag spring 110 and the shoe spring 115, aswell as, in some embodiments, the spring force applied by the tag spring110 to the shoe spring 115, the product tag 205 may be securedtherebetween without further support by the user. Further, due to theclose proximity of the tag spring 110 and the shoe 105 adjacent the shoebore 175, the product material 200 may be substantially securedtherebetween without further support by the user.

When the product tag 205 and the product material 200 are properlyplaced within the protective assembly 100, the user may apply a force Fto the thimble 120 via the thimble tip 130. In some embodiments, theuser may manually apply the force F (e.g., by pressing with one or bothhands). Alternatively, the user may employ a separate object or surfaceto apply the force F to the thimble 120. In any event, at least one orboth of the thimble tip 130 and the thimble 120 may allow for a greaterforce F to be applied by the user to impale the product material 200 andthe product tag 205 over the needle 15. Thus, in some embodiments,product tag attachment may be achieved for thicker product materialand/or product tags as compared to product tag attachment techniqueslacking the protective assembly 100.

In some embodiments, prior to applying the force F, the user may indexthe thimble 120 with the shoe bore 175 by, for example, rotating thethimble 120 such that the indexing notch 127 may be aligned with theindexing rib 129.

As the force F is applied in sufficient magnitude, the thimble 120 isurged from its rest position through the shoe bore 175 and contacts theproduct material 200. The thimble 120 continues to press the productmaterial 200 against the tag spring 110 and transfer at least a portionof the force F to the tag spring 110 through the material 200. The forceF is thus transferred (in part or in whole) to the shoe spring 115through the product tag 205, causing the product material 200, the tagspring 110, the product tag 205, and the shoe spring 115 to be urged inthe same direction as the force F (left-to-right as illustrated in thisexample). The product tag 205 and product material 200 are thus impaledagainst the needle 15 (shown in FIGS. 1-2), creating a holetherethrough, as the needle 15 traverses through the notches 170 a and170 b of the shoe spring 115 and tag spring 110, respectively, as wellas the thimble 120.

Once holes are created in the product tag 205 and the product material200 by the needle 15, the tag tool 12 may be operated to insert thenylon fastener through the holes, thereby securing the product tag 205to the product material 200. The force F may be removed from the thimble120, thereby allowing the thimble 120, tag spring 110, and shoe spring115 to return to their respective rest positions. Such return may allowthe needle 15 to disengage from the product material 200 and the producttag 205, leaving the nylon fastener securing the material 200 and tag205 together. The tagged product material 200 may then be removed fromthe protective assembly 100 such that the fastener is removed throughthe open notches 170 a and 170 b of the springs 115 and 110.

In such fashion, the user may more efficiently and more safely securethe product tag 205 to the product material 200. For instance, duringthis example operation, the user may keep a relatively safe distanceaway from the needle 15. Further, the user may be able to perform thisexample operation single-handedly or substantially single-handedly.Those skilled in the art will appreciate other advantages of thisexample operation and will appreciate that the steps described in thisexample operation may be performed in sequences different to thatdescribed herein. In addition, those of skill in the art will appreciatethat additional steps or less steps may be performed in this exampleoperation or other example operations without departing from the scopeof the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5A-D illustrate another embodiment of a needle container 500 of aproduct tagging system according to the present disclosure. The needlecontainer 500, as illustrated, is a tubular container that may containone or more tag tool needles, such as a used tag tool needle 555 and anew tag tool needle 550. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the needlecontainer 500 may include no caps to enclose either one or both of theused and new tag tool needles 555 and 550, respectively, within thecontainer 500.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the needle container 500 includes two needleenclosing portions 505 and 510. In some embodiments, the portion 505 maybe a new needle enclosing portion 505 and the portion 510 may be a usedneedle enclosing portion 510. Each of needle enclosing portions 505 and510 may enclose at least a portion of a tag tool needle, such as tagtool needles 550 and 555. Each tag tool needle may include a sharpenedend (illustrated by sharpened end 556 on the used tag tool needle 555)coupled to a base portion (illustrated by base portion 558 on used tagtool needle 555). Generally, the sharpened end 556 may create one ormore holes in product and/or product tags (such as product 200 and tag205) while the base portion 558 may couple to a tag tool to secure theneedle 555 to the tag tool. In some embodiments, all or a portion of theneedle container 500 may be clear or opaque, thereby allowing the userto view one or both of the tag tool needles 550 and 555 when enclosedtherein.

In some embodiments, one or both of the enclosing portions 505 and 510may include a compression-fit aperture, thereby securing at least aportion of a tag tool needle within the portion 505 or 510 without a capor any human support. In some embodiments, one or both of the enclosingportions 505 and 510 may enclose a substantial portion of a tag toolneedle. In some embodiments, one or both of the enclosing portions 505and 510 may enclose a majority of a tag tool needle. In someembodiments, one or both of the enclosing portions 505 and 510 mayenclose a minimal portion of a tag tool needle. In some embodiments, oneor both of the enclosing portions 505 and 510 may enclose a sharpenedportion of a tag tool needle.

Turning briefly to FIG. 5C, an end view of one embodiment of theenclosing portions 505 and 510 including the compression-fit isillustrated. One or more spokes 560 may extend within an interior of theenclosing portions 505 and 510, thereby creating a friction, orcompression-fit, with a tag tool needle. For instance, in someembodiments, the spokes 560 may be sized such that a spoke radiusmeasured from a centerline of the enclosing portions 505 and 510 may beslightly smaller than a diameter of a sharpened end of a tag toolneedle. Thus, the spokes 560 may function to grab the sharp end of a tagtool needle as it is inserted into the enclosing portion 505 or 510.Thus, the tag tool needle, such as needles 550 and 555, may be securedwithin the enclosing portions 505 and 510, respectively. In someembodiments, each spoke 560 may be approximately 30 degrees apart fromadjacent spokes 560. Alternatively, some embodiments of one or both ofthe enclosing portions 505 and 510 may include a differentcompression-fit (e.g., less or more spokes, no spokes, to name but afew).

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the needle container 500 may be shipped to auser or customer with the new tag tool needle 550 already installed inthe enclosing portion 505. In some embodiments, the base portion of thenew tag tool needle 550 may extend from the container 500 with thesharpened end secured within the enclosing portion 505. Thus, users andproduct may be protected from the sharpened end of the new tag toolneedle 550, decreasing the possibilities of unwanted user injury,disease transmission, and product damage. In some embodiments, theenclosing portion 505 may be sized to enclose substantially all of thesharpened end of the new tag tool needle 550 but not the base portion ofthe needle 550. Alternatively, the enclosing portion 505 may be sized toenclose substantially all of the new tag tool needle 550. In someembodiments, the enclosing portion 510 may be sized to enclosesubstantially all of the used tag tool needle 555. For instance, theenclosing portion may enclose both the sharpened end 556 and baseportion 558 of the needle 555. Alternatively, the enclosing portion 510may be sized to enclose substantially all of the sharpened end of theused tag tool needle 555 but not the base portion of the needle 558.

The needle container 500 may also include a coupling portion 515connecting the enclosing portions 505 and 510. In one embodiment asillustrated in FIG. 5D, the coupling portion 515 may be a solid t-shapedportion of the container, thereby separating the enclosing portions 505and 510. Alternatively, the needle container 500 may not include acoupling portion 515 or may include a coupling portion sized or shapeddifferently than coupling portion 515 as illustrated herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-B, one example operation of the needlecontainer 500 is described. The enclosing portion 510 may receive theused tag tool needle 555 from the tag tool (such as tag tool 12). Forinstance, the enclosing portion 510 may be urged over the used needle555 as it is coupled to the tag tool. Once the enclosing portion 510 hasbeen urged over the sharpened end 556 of the used needle 555 (andsecured therein), the used tag tool needle 555 may be decoupled from thetag tool. Thus, in some embodiments, the used tag tool needle 555 may beremoved from the tag tool without human contact of any portion of theused tag tool needle 555.

In some instances, the user may desire for the whole used tag toolneedle 555 to be enclosed in the needle container 500, such as, forshipping purposes or to discard the used needle 555 in a protectivefashion. The user may push the used tag tool needle 555 further into theenclosing portion 510 until the base portion 558 of the needle 555 issubstantially flush with the opening of the enclosing portion 510, asillustrated in FIG. 5B. Alternatively, the used tag tool needle 555 maybe inserted flush into the enclosing portion 510 without human contactof the needle 555. For instance, the user may apply a force to the baseportion 558 of the used needle 555 by pressing the base portion 558extending from the enclosing portion 510 against a rigid or semi-rigidsurface (e.g., furniture, a floor, a wall to name but a few) until theend of the base portion of the needle 555 is flush with the enclosingportion 510 (as illustrated in FIG. 5B). Alternatively, the user mayapply a force to the base portion 558 of the used needle 555 by pressingthe base portion 558 extending from the enclosing portion 510 against arigid or semi-rigid surface until a part of the base portion of theneedle 555 is within the enclosing portion 510.

The operations of the needle container 500 may also include installingthe new tag tool needle 550 into a tag tool (such as tag tool 12).Installing the new tag tool needle 550 may, in some embodiments, beaccomplished without human contact with the new tag tool needle 550. Forinstance, as previously described, the needle container 500 may includeor be shipped with a new tag tool needle 550. The new tag tool needle550 may be included such that the sharpened end of the needle 550 issecured within the enclosing portion 505 as illustrated in FIG. 5A.Alternatively, the needle 550 may be shipped separately but insertablewithin the enclosing portion 505. With the sharpened end of the new tagtool needle 550 secured within the enclosing portion and the baseportion of the needle 550 extending therefrom, the user may insert thebase portion into the tag tool. Once the base portion is coupled to thetag tool, thereby securing the new tag tool needle 550 in the tag tool,the needle container 500 may be removed from the sharpened end of thenew needle 550. Thus, the new tag tool needle 550 may be installed inthe tag tool without human contact of the new needle 550, decreasing thechances, of injury, disease transmission, or product damage.

A number of implementations have been described, and several others havebeen mentioned or suggested. Furthermore, those skilled in the art willreadily recognize that a variety of additions, deletions, alterations,and substitutions may be made to these implementations without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the scope of protectedsubject matter should be judged based on the following claims, which maycapture one or more aspects of one or more implementations.

1-39. (canceled)
 40. A protective assembly for a tag tool, theprotective assembly comprising: a shoe configured to attach to the tagtool, the tag tool comprising a tag tool needle that extends from thetag tool, wherein the shoe includes a shoe bore that extends through theshoe such that at least a portion of the shoe bore is aligned with alongitudinal dimension of the tag tool needle.
 41. The protectiveassembly of claim 40, wherein the shoe further includes a shoe portionthat extends from the shoe to define an area to receive product materialbetween the shoe portion and the tag tool.
 42. The protective assemblyof claim 41, wherein the shoe bore extends through the shoe portion. 43.The protective assembly of claim 41, wherein the shoe is configured suchthat operation of the tag tool moves the tag tool needle at least partlyinto the area between the shoe portion and the tag tool.
 44. Theprotective assembly of claim 41, wherein: the shoe includes a secondshoe portion that extends downward from the tag tool; and the shoeportion extends upward from the second shoe portion to define the areato receive product material between the shoe portion and the tag tool.45. The protective assembly of claim 40, wherein a centerline throughthe shoe bore is aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the tag toolneedle.
 46. The protective assembly of claim 40, wherein the shoe isconfigured to attach to the tag tool at one or more connection pointsthat are recessed into a housing of the tag tool.
 47. The protectiveassembly of claim 40, wherein the shoe is configured to be detachablefrom the tag tool.
 48. The protective assembly of claim 40, wherein theshoe is U-shaped.
 49. The protective assembly of claim 40, wherein theshoe is at least partly composed of a plastic.
 50. A product taggingsystem comprising: a tag tool comprising a tag tool needle that extendsfrom the tag tool; and a protective assembly attached to the tag tool,the protective assembly comprising a shoe that includes a shoe bore thatextends through the shoe such that at least a portion of the shoe boreis aligned with a longitudinal dimension of the tag tool needle.
 51. Theproduct tagging system of claim 50, wherein the shoe further includes ashoe portion that extends from the shoe to define an area to receiveproduct material between the shoe portion and the tag tool.
 52. Theproduct tagging system of claim 51, wherein the shoe bore extendsthrough the shoe portion that extends from the shoe.
 53. The producttagging system of claim 51, wherein the shoe is configured such thatoperation of the tag tool moves the tag tool needle at least partly intothe area between the shoe portion and the tag tool.
 54. The producttagging system of claim 51, wherein: the shoe includes a second shoeportion that extends downward from the tag tool; and the shoe portionextends upward from the second shoe portion to define the area toreceive product material between the shoe portion and the tag tool. 55.The product tagging system of claim 50, wherein a centerline through theshoe bore is aligned with the longitudinal dimension of the tag toolneedle.
 56. The product tagging system of claim 50, wherein theprotective assembly is attached to the tag tool at one or moreconnection points that are recessed into a housing of the tag tool. 57.The product tagging system of claim 50, wherein the protective assemblyis detachable from the tag tool.
 58. The product tagging system of claim50, wherein the shoe is U-shaped.
 59. The product tagging system ofclaim 50, wherein the shoe is at least partly composed of a plastic.